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Colonel EMC...in the data center...with a Quantum software?

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EMC will soon reveal a new OEM partner for data de-duplication in its boxes, according to several industry reports.

It's believed that the storage firm tapped Quantum to help get a data redundancy-busting edge over market leader, Data Domain.

Quantum's kit uses de-dupe software picked up from the acquisition of ADIC in 2006. Quantum later approached Data Domain over alleged patent infringements and was granted company shares in compensation.

Quantum currently uses its de-dupe software for its own DXi-series, but its technology isn't being put into anyone else's boxes. Curiosities were first piqued about Quantum opening up when the company filed an 8-K form with the US Securities and Exchange Commission in January, stating that it entered into an agreement with a "major OEM" to license its software.

Financial analyst Thomas Curlin of RBC Capital Markets divulged in a note to clients yesterday that his sources expect EMC to announce the OEM partnership with Quantum in the near future.

"We suspect this is a move by EMC to compete more effectively versus Data Domain," wrote Curlin. "And while contacts believe they have chosen a technically inferior solution, we suspect EMC and sales and marketing muscle will at least be able to disrupt some of Data Domain's muscle."

EMC already has an OEM agreement with FalconStor to retail its de-duplication software with CLARiiON gear. Whisperings indicate that EMC plans to put Quantum technology into a different system.

Both Quantum and EMC declined to comment on the alleged OEM agreement. ®

Corrective Bootnote

We incorrectly stated that Quantum sued Data Domain over patent infringement. Quantum actually approached Data Domain over the allegations and was compensated with a license agreement to avoid the legal action.